YANA - YOU ARE NOT ALONE NOW

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT SITE

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Jeff B and Linda live in Pennsylvania, USA He was 44 when he was diagnosed on June 13, 2007. His initial PSA was 3.4 ng/ml, his Gleason Score was 6 and he was staged T1c. His choice of treatment was Surgery. Here is his story:

My father died of prostate cancer in January,2006, eighteen months after being diagnosed: an uncle died March, 2007.

I had a physical in summer 2007, and the MD said we'll just check it again. My wife insisted on an appointment with a urologist. My second PSA was 2.7 ng/ml, and a repeat in two months went up to 3.4 ng/ml.

I had a positive biopsy in June and surgery July 23, 2007. Lymph nodes not involved, but it extended to the outside of the capsule.

I am going to heal for eight weeks then, six weeks of radiation.

UPDATED

September 2007

 

6 week check up post surgery:

My after surgery pathology results were different than what I posted. I had a T2C, with a Gleason Score of 7. The margins were clear, lymph nodes clear, but the cancer extended outside the capsule.

I just received my bone scan and first post op PSA results. Bone scan, clear! PSA result <0.1.

Radiation as a precaution will begin in two weeks. A six week course, the doctor said I should not have any problems.

Down to using one pad during the day. One at night. Getting better each day! Some ED, but that's improving too.

 

UPDATED

November 2007

 

 

Well, 18 treatments down. I think 20 to go. So far, the only thing I am experiencing is fatigue and some indigestion, stomach upset. I am able to continue working full time. I have no problems with incontinence anymore!!

I look forward to starting 2008, cancer free.

 

UPDATED

December 2007

 

 

Well (this is the wife speaking), all is well in our world! We truly gave thanks this year. The day before Thanksgiving ended our radiation treatments. His PSA is <0.1, incontinence is completely gone and well, with some med's the bedroom activity is improving. Not what it was, but patience is necessary. So all in all, our family has already received our Christmas present!

The urologist is delighted at Jeff's progress and gives him an excellent prognosis! So in this house, we are cancer free and loving it!

Merry Christmas to everyone. If you are newly diagnosed, surgery is tough, but you can handle it. This disease is NOT worth dying for! We are looking forward to a boring 2008. Our family is closer than it ever has been. There are positives to dealing with this disease. You appreciate every moment of everyday! God Bless!

 

UPDATED

May 2008

 

 

Well, fortunately another wonderful day in our house. We can breathe again!

Life is pretty much back to normal and the word cancer is no longer a typical topic.

So, if your just starting your path to beat this disease, I suggest that you take that leap and go for it! Life is sweet and worth the war!

Jeff's e-mail address is: linb1414@yahoo.com